Observations: Dress in Art and Design History

The third volume in NGV's Observations series, Observations: Dress in Art and Design History brings together the insights of global scholars, writers and curators to explore the dynamic relationship between fashion and societal change from the sixteenth to twentieth century. Leading historians, researchers and curators examine pivotal moments in history, such as the role of portraiture in revealing women’s fashion in sixteenth and seventieth-century England, the evolution of the sari as a vessel for expression and establishing individuality, and the lasting influence of the Dandy movement on men’s fashion. Through these diverse perspectives, this publication illustrates how dress has both shaped and been influenced by social, cultural and historical forces over time.

With contributions from Breeze Barrington, Peter McNeil, Hilary Davidson, Waleria Dorogova, Priya Khanchandani, Nozomi Naoi, Dan Thawley, Nadia Albertini and April Calahan.